Club Med Insider

The Best GO of all time - Olivier Sanchez - CDV of Cancun Winter 2009

Recently this year my beloved father of 98 years passed away. In addition, I had a total hip replacement and was out of work for 2 months. My doctor told me I could never water-ski again because my hip might pop out. He also told me not to windsurf, but I explained to him how the GOs always help me and how the equipment at Club Med is so great, and I was sure I would not injure myself in any way. It was very safe and Club Med even provides immediate rescue service if I needed it, and that someone would always be watching me! So luckily my doctor finally agreed it was “ok” to windsurf. I still need to have my other hip replaced since I have bone against bone and it sometimes is painful and difficult to walk. I wasn’t sure that a Club Med vacation was for me, but I was positive it would cheer me up. I knew that the Cancun village was very spread out and there were lots of steps I would have to climb and lots of walking. I also have other hip precautions such as not being able to sit in a low chair without arms. In spite of all these obstacles and even though I was traveling alone, I decided to venture out to Club Med Cancun Yucatan. I brought 2 walking canes with me and left my walker at home. I was debating about whether to rent a wheelchair, but discovered that Club Med Cancun had one for emergencies if I needed it. They also had a doctor and nurse on call at all times. I had so many nice people help me every step of the way, it was incredible!

One GO in particular, Olivier Sanchez, stands out the most! He was our Chief of Village - CDV. Olivier went out of his way, every day of my vacation, to make sure I had fantastic experiences, and ones that I will always remember and treasure! From the moment of my arrival until my departure, my wish was his every command. I asked him for a golf umbrella I could use to walk with instead of my cane so I didn’t feel like I looked so handicapped walking around the village. Immediately one appeared in my room.

My main reason for going to Club Med is my favorite sport windsurfing. However, since I can no longer bend my knees and with my other hip precautions, I wasn’t sure if I would be successful with my new hip and worried a lot before my trip about this decision. I have to tell you that Olivier made sure I could windsurf, and he helped me every step of the way! I was SO LUCKY to have such HIGH WINDS all week, nonstop and no rain. The GOs for the sailing/windsurf team were very helpful, but I always wanted at least 2 -3 people to help me on and off the board and to watch me at all times. I was not taking any chances with my new hip! One day I needed another GO, and Olivier stepped right in and offered to help me! He held my hands as I walked from the sand on the beach to the front of the windsurf board. He then stepped on the front of the board and handed me the sail. With one hand on his shoulder and the other holding the sail, another GO dragged me and the board out into the water so I did not hit the bottom of the ocean. Then I simply hooked into my harness and windsurfed to my heart’s desire! If I happened to fall in, I could always swim with the board! Luckily I did not. When I had enough I signaled to him and he met me at the water’s edge. I sailed right into the sand and threw down my sail. With both his arms outstretched, I held onto him for balance, and I walked off the front of the board right onto the beach! What service! He even took videos of me with my camera while I was windsurfing and the kayaks and sailboats were sailing around me! Only at Club Med could I have this to be possible! I know of no other hotel in Cancun where GOs cater so much to their guests. It has always been a Club Med tradition that the guests are their top priority! Also I requested another size sail since when I arrived they only had large and small sails and I needed a 3.5 sail for the high winds. By the middle of the week he had someone repair a sail and they gave it to me to use. It was unbelievable!!! And he even got me a white plastic chair with arms to sit in while windsurfing! What a wonderful surprise! Olivier could not have been more accommodating if he tried!

Every time I turned around, Olivier was everywhere. I would see him greeting his guests in the restaurants for lunch and dinner, at the pool, at the beach, to every night in the shows. One night during the limbo contest, I was standing and watching. From out of nowhere, Olivier appeared and brought me a chair with pillows and arms from the bar to sit on. I was so touched because it is difficult for me to stand for long periods of time. Then he appointed me as a judge, so I could say “in” or “out” which made me feel like I was a participant in the contest. He even offered his arm to help me walk up the stairs to the main bar. I was deeply moved by all of his help and kindness.

Another night Juan D’Angelica and his group Flamingo Fusion played guitars and violin on the beach. I had heard them before, and their group to me is right up there with the 9th wonder of the world - like climbing the pyramids and seeking the sphinx. Juan was 2nd in Spain for flamingo guitarists and their music is so awesome - you simply have to hear them. It brings chills up and down your spine it is so beautiful. I heard one GM say it was the most beautiful music he ever heard in his life! Having heard them before, I wanted very much to watch and hear them play again, but I had no clue how I could sit in a low lawn chair on the sand. I was sure there was no solution. To my surprise Olivier appeared with another sofa chair with wooden arms and pillows and asked me where on the sand he’d like it to be placed. I was thrilled and so happy! And not to mention, totally comfortable too. And on top of that, the waiter brought me a drink! What service! Only at Club Med can I be waited on hand and foot!

Another day I wanted to see the water-ski show but knew I couldn’t get there in time from the sailing shack. Olivier happened to be at the sailing, and simply called the shuttle buggy for me to take me to the water ski pier. I was there in no time flat! Victoria, a GO from Russia Moscow was doing backward hand flips and splits from the pier into the water. Very unique! I learned later she was a former Olympic gymnast. The ski show was great. Especially the GO standing on a chair on a table holding a rope. Very original.

For dinner in the main restaurant it was sometimes difficult for me to hold a plate and a cane at the same time. Olivier would appear and hold my plates as he escorted me to my table. That was such a nice and thoughtful gesture, and very sincerely appreciated. The food at Club Med was absolutely delicious and out of this world! No one got sick the week I was there. There were hand sanitizers everywhere because of the scare for swine flu.

My room was perfect. I requested it to be cold and it was! It was so cold I had to use blankets at night although it was 90 degrees outside! I had plenty of ice in the buckets that the maids refilled every day, and cold water bottles in my refrigerator. What more could I ask for. Club Med is the only hotel I know of that refills your ice buckets!!! What service the GMs get!!! My mattress and pillows were so soft and the bath towels were so large and soft, and the shower had as much hot water and water pressure as I wanted. I was in heaven!

Another night it was difficult for me to do steps up to dinner in the main restaurant and Olivier went with me in the elevator of the restaurant. I told him I was scared it might get stuck. He told me not to worry. He had a cell phone with him if he needed it. Luckily we didn’t have any problems. Most of the hotels in Mexico lack elevators and it was great that Club Med had one. That saved me a LOT of walking.

Olivier was also great for being a star in my pictures. I took about a million photos during my vacation and some of the best ones are with him in them. He was always such a pleasure to be around, making the GMs smile and laugh. It was simply so much fun to be around him and in his company. He had a glowing presence and the ability to speak and understand many languages fluently. All GMs who were on vacation were touched how he went out of his way, not only for me, but for others too, to be sure every one of us had the most memorable vacations of our lives.

I’d like to nominate Olivier Sanchez for one of my favorite GO’s of all time! Even being handicapped, on this vacation, October 2009, I had one of the best times of my life! Oliver and his GO team were great!

Marsha Rusoff
Houston, Texas